Policy

A J-1 Visa is necessary to participate in study-based exchange programs within the United States. Residents or fellows who wish to complete their medical training across the border will need to obtain this document. J-1 Visas are granted by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).

Health Canada issues a Statement of Need to medical graduates. By signing this document, medical graduates express their intent to return to Canada to practice medicine in their field of study once the training program has concluded. The Statement of Need must be completed before a J-1 Visa can be issued.

A letter of support from the associate dean of PME is often required as supporting documentation during the application process. The letter can be obtained from the PME Office. Contact Kelly Storie at kelly.storie@ualberta.ca with the details of the position in the United States, and she will arrange for a letter of support from the associate dean.

For additional information, please contact the J-1 Visa Program Administrator at j1visa@hc-sc.gc.ca.

Residents are eligible for stipends and benefits for their clinical work. These services are supported by Alberta Health Services (AHS) and the Professional Association of Resident Physicians of Alberta (PARA).

The PARA Agreement outlines remuneration as it applies to pay levels, pay level standards and programs with special circumstances. Residents are also eligible to collect on-call payments through PARA. To access the PARA Agreement please log on to your PARA account.

AHS and PARA jointly offer a benefit plan to resident employees in the province. Employees can access the full plan on AHS Insite.

More information can be found by contacting:

AHS Payroll and Benefits
Tel: 1-877-511-4455
Email: HRcontactcentre@albertahealthservices.ca

PARA On-Call Inquiries
Email: PARAoncall@albertahealthservices.ca